FileTypesMan

FileTypesMan is a Windows utility that displays the list of all file extension types registered in the system. It shows the information that Windows stores in the registry for each file type: the default type name, the assigned icon, the associated program for opening it, and more. This tool is necessary for system administrators and advanced users who require detailed control over file associations.

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• Complete extension view. Shows all file extensions known to the Windows operating system, obtained directly from the registry. The information is presented in a structured table with columns that allow sorting and filtering the data according to different criteria, making it easy to locate specific entries.
• Editing extension properties. Allows modifying the properties associated with any file type selected in the list. Changes are made directly in the Windows registry, allowing adjustments to the open command, the linked icon, the description, and other file type settings without needing to use native system tools.
• Association comparison. Compares the current file associations of the system with a previously saved snapshot or with a standard registry file. This feature identifies changes, additions, or deletions in associations, which is valuable for diagnosing problems after installing new software.
• Data export. Generates detailed reports of file type configuration in various formats, including plain text, HTML document, or CSV file. The exported reports contain all the information visible in the main interface, allowing for external analysis, archiving, or printing for technical documentation.
• Advanced search and filtering. Locates specific extensions or commands within the file type database using a text search system. Applied filters can be based on any column in the view, such as the extension, description, verb, or executed application, streamlining configuration auditing.
• Shell verb management. Manages the actions available in the File Explorer context menu for a specific file type. Allows viewing, adding, modifying, or removing verbs like "Open", "Edit", or "Print", along with the command lines executed when they are selected, providing control over application integration.
• Restoring default values. Restores the original registry values for a selected file extension, removing customizations and associations modified by the user or by applications. This action reverts the configuration to its initial state according to the parameters defined by the Windows operating system.
• Modifying associated icons. Changes the icon the operating system displays for a particular file type. The function allows browsing executable files and libraries to select a new icon, specifying the icon index within the resource and applying the change immediately, altering the visual representation in Explorer.
• Default application detection. Identifies and displays the program currently configured as the default for opening a selected file type. Provides the full path to the executable, the command-line parameters used, and allows changing this assignment through a built-in shell command editor.
• Registry entry analysis. Exposes the exact location within the Windows registry where the information for the selected extension is stored. Shows the registry key, values, and associated data, functioning as a visualization layer over the Registry Editor for entries related to file types.
• Creating new extensions. Adds new file types to the system that were not previously registered. Requests the extension, defines the description, and initializes the basic entries in the registry, establishing an initial structure that can later be configured with specific verbs, icons, and associated programs.
• Removing obsolete entries. Deletes file type entries from the registry that reference applications no longer present on the system. This cleanup helps keep the registry database free of corrupt or invalid data that can slow down operations or cause errors in the context menu.

FileTypesMan was developed by Nir Sofer, founder of the NirSoft website. The program was created in 2007. The tool is written in the C++ programming language. Nir Sofer is known for creating compact and portable utilities for diagnosing and administering Windows systems. The development of FileTypesMan focuses on providing an advanced alternative to the standard "Open with" dialog of Windows, offering granular control over file associations. Program updates are released periodically to add compatibility with new versions of Windows and fix reported issues.

Alternatives to FileTypesMan: